News & Information

HLG WELCOME WEEK A SUCCESS

Wednesday, September 19, 2007by Beth Sowers

Hannibal, MO - Hannibal-LaGrange College welcomed students back to campus Thursday, August 23. Dr. and Mrs. Woodrow Burt, the president and first lady of HLG, stood at the entrance of the campus and greeted first time students and parents as they drove onto campus.

Then the Swarm Squad, a group of 50-60 upper classmen, helped each new student move into their dorm rooms from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. “This is the third year to provide this service for our new incoming students,” said Dr. Tom Hufty, vice president for collegiate affairs at HLG. "They provide a lot of energy for move-in day both physically and emotionally.The Swarm Squad welcomes the new students and make parents feel right at home while unloading their cars and carrying everything to the rooms for them. Students will "swarm" each car with a goal of unloading all contents within two minutes,” added Hufty. “Always smiling, always encouraging, always making people feel welcome to HLG . . . that's what the Swarm Squad is all about.”

After getting settled into their dorm rooms, the new students as well as the HLG community participated in the traditional Walk of Honor at 5:15 p.m. Faculty, staff, upperclassmen, alumni, and parents lined the walkway from the Roland Fine Arts Center to the Burt Administration Building. New students walked single-file as they passed parents and HLG students and personnel cheering and encouraging each student on their new journey. The new students passed through the HLG arch where President Burt welcomed them with a handshake. Students then gathered around the Old Dutch Elm tree, nicknamed the “Trinity Tree,” located between the library and administration building for a final word of encouragement, a song, and a prayer of dedication.

Among the many exciting events of welcome week, students enjoyed getting to tour downtown Hannibal. They were able to eat lunch on the Mark Twain Riverboat, as well as cruise the mighty Mississippi.

On August 26 students participated in the annual HLG Fest. There was a variety of activities, including a dunking booth, a cake walk, and an obstacle course. Local churches also came and set up informational booths.

Another aspect of the “welcome week” experience is participation in community service projects throughout the city of Hannibal and surrounding communities. Hannibal's Helping Hands is a service project designed to introduce HLG students to the Hannibal community. Several non-profit agencies, churches, nursing care facilities, and businesses benefit each year from the “helping hands” of HLG students. On August 27, students participated in a variety of ways including painting, repair work, cleaning, grounds maintenance, clerical work, and reading to the elderly. Over 180 students served 17 different organizations and businesses in the Hannibal area and provide over 450 hours of labor for the Hannibal community.

Also on August 27, students participated in "Project Backpack," a service project which donates backpacks and school supplies to children at area schools in need.

The welcome week concert was held in Parker Theatre on August 29. The entertainment included brothers Jordan and Andy Rhea, HLG students, as well as Northside's Sweet Revenge, a band out of St. Louis, MO.